10673670

Demodulation Reference Signal Transmission Apparatus, System, and Method

PublishedJune 2, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
13 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An apparatus, comprising: a non-transitory memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: send a configuration indication to user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration indication instructs the UE to send an independent demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and wherein the independent DMRS does not depend on uplink data; send location information of the independent DMRS and/or send location information of the combination of the independent DMRS and uplink data; wherein the sending location information indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located before the timeslot of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located after the timeslot of the PUSCH, or indicates that the time domain location of the independent DMRS is located within the timeslot of the PUSCH; and receive the independent DMRS sent by the UE.

Plain English Translation

Wireless communication systems. This invention addresses the need for efficient and flexible transmission of reference signals for demodulation in user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes a non-transitory memory and a processor. The processor is configured to send a configuration indication to a UE. This indication instructs the UE to transmit an independent demodulation reference signal (DMRS). Crucially, this independent DMRS is designed to be independent of any uplink data. The processor also sends information specifying the location of this independent DMRS. This location information can indicate the position of the independent DMRS alone, or the position of the independent DMRS in combination with uplink data. The location information specifies that the independent DMRS can be transmitted in the time domain before, after, or within the timeslot allocated for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Finally, the apparatus receives the independent DMRS transmitted by the UE.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the time domain location of the at least one DMRS is located before the timeslot of the PUSCH or when the time domain location of the at least one DMRS is located after the timeslot of the PUSCH, a timeslot in which the at least one DMRS is located transmits only the at least one DMRS.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the transmission of demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in relation to physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmissions. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation of time slots for DMRS to ensure accurate channel estimation without unnecessary overhead, particularly when DMRS is positioned before or after the PUSCH transmission. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to send at least one DMRS and a PUSCH in a wireless communication system. The key feature is that when the DMRS is located in a time slot before or after the PUSCH transmission, that specific time slot is dedicated solely to the DMRS. This means no other data or signals are transmitted in the same slot as the DMRS, ensuring clean and interference-free reference signal transmission. This approach optimizes resource utilization by preventing the mixing of DMRS and PUSCH data in the same slot, which could degrade channel estimation accuracy. The invention enhances signal integrity and reliability in uplink communications by ensuring that DMRS transmissions are isolated in their respective time slots when positioned outside the PUSCH transmission period. This method is particularly useful in scenarios where precise channel estimation is critical, such as high-mobility environments or high-data-rate transmissions.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a timeslot in which the independent DMRS is located transmits only the independent DMRS.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the transmission of demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in scenarios where independent DMRS are used. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of communication resources when independent DMRS are transmitted alongside other data or signals in the same timeslot, which can lead to interference and reduced spectral efficiency. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit independent DMRS in a dedicated timeslot that carries only the independent DMRS, without any other data or control signals. This ensures that the DMRS transmission is isolated from other signals, minimizing interference and improving channel estimation accuracy. The independent DMRS are used for demodulating data transmitted in other timeslots, allowing for more reliable signal reception. By reserving an entire timeslot exclusively for the independent DMRS, the system avoids the need to multiplex the DMRS with other transmissions, which can degrade performance in high-interference environments. The apparatus may also include a receiver configured to process the independent DMRS to estimate the channel conditions and demodulate subsequent data transmissions accordingly. This approach enhances the robustness of wireless communication, particularly in scenarios with dynamic channel conditions or high mobility.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration indication further comprises a mapping indication, wherein the mapping indication instructs the UE to replace the at least one piece of uplink data with the at least one DMRS and map the at least one piece of uplink data to another frequency-time resource location.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for managing uplink data transmission in user equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of uplink data when a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) needs to be transmitted, particularly in scenarios where the DMRS and uplink data may conflict in time or frequency resources. The apparatus includes a processor configured to generate a configuration indication for the UE. This indication instructs the UE to replace at least one piece of uplink data with at least one DMRS. Additionally, the configuration includes a mapping indication that directs the UE to map the replaced uplink data to a different frequency-time resource location. This ensures that the DMRS is transmitted without disrupting the uplink data, maintaining communication reliability while optimizing resource usage. The apparatus may also include a transmitter to send the configuration to the UE, ensuring proper synchronization and coordination between the network and the device. The solution improves spectral efficiency and reduces interference by dynamically adjusting resource allocation based on signal requirements.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration indication is a downlink control information (DCI) indication of a PDCCH, or a media access control control element (MAC CE) indication, or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for configuring and signaling apparatuses in a network to manage communication resources. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient signaling mechanisms to convey configuration information between network nodes, such as base stations and user devices, to optimize resource allocation and reduce signaling overhead. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to send a configuration indication to a user device, where the indication specifies how the device should operate in the network. The configuration indication can be transmitted using one of three signaling methods: downlink control information (DCI) on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a media access control control element (MAC CE), or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. DCI provides fast, low-latency signaling suitable for dynamic adjustments, while MAC CE offers a balance between speed and flexibility, and RRC signaling is used for more static, higher-layer configurations. The apparatus also includes a receiver to obtain feedback or status updates from the user device, ensuring proper configuration and operation. This multi-method signaling approach allows the network to adapt to different scenarios, such as real-time adjustments or long-term configurations, while minimizing signaling overhead and improving efficiency.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. An apparatus, comprising: a non-transitory memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: receive a configuration indication sent by a base station, wherein the configuration indication instructs a user equipment (UE) to send an independent demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and wherein the independent DMRS does not need to depend on uplink data; wherein the configuration indication further comprises sending location information of the independent DMRS and/or sending location information of the combination of the independent DMRS and uplink data and wherein the sending location information of the independent DMRS indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located before the timeslot of the PUSCH, or indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located after the timeslot of the PUSCH; and send the independent DMRS to the base station according to the configuration indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving uplink data transmission by enabling a user equipment (UE) to send an independent demodulation reference signal (DMRS) that does not depend on uplink data. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in existing systems where DMRS is typically tied to uplink data transmission, limiting flexibility and performance. The apparatus includes a non-transitory memory and a processor. The processor receives a configuration indication from a base station instructing the UE to transmit an independent DMRS. This DMRS is not dependent on uplink data, allowing for more flexible scheduling and improved channel estimation. The configuration indication also provides location information for the independent DMRS, specifying whether it is sent before or after the timeslot of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Additionally, the configuration may include location information for the combination of the independent DMRS and uplink data, allowing for coordinated transmission. The UE sends the independent DMRS to the base station according to the received configuration, enabling better resource utilization and more accurate channel estimation. This approach enhances uplink communication efficiency by decoupling DMRS transmission from uplink data, providing greater flexibility in scheduling and improving overall system performance.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the processor is further configured to: before sending the combination of the independent DMRS and the uplink data to the base station according to the configuration indication, replace, according to a mapping indication, the at least one piece of uplink data with the at least one DMRS and map the at least one piece of uplink data to another frequency-time resource location, wherein when the sending location information of the combination of the independent DMRS and the uplink data indicates that the time domain location of the at least one DMRS is located within the timeslot of the PUSCH, the configuration indication further comprises the mapping indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the transmission of uplink data and demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in scenarios where independent DMRS are used. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation and transmission of DMRS and uplink data to enhance signal demodulation accuracy while optimizing resource utilization. The apparatus includes a processor configured to handle the transmission of a combination of independent DMRS and uplink data to a base station based on a configuration indication. Before sending this combination, the processor replaces at least one piece of uplink data with at least one DMRS according to a mapping indication. The uplink data is then mapped to a different frequency-time resource location. The configuration indication includes the mapping indication when the sending location information specifies that the time domain location of the DMRS falls within the timeslot of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). This approach ensures that DMRS and uplink data are optimally placed in the frequency-time domain, improving channel estimation and data transmission reliability. The dynamic replacement and remapping of resources enhance spectral efficiency and reduce interference, particularly in scenarios where DMRS and data must coexist within the same timeslot. The solution is applicable in 5G and beyond wireless networks where flexible resource allocation is critical.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the configuration indication is a downlink control information (DCI) indication of a PDCCH, or a media access control control element (MAC CE) indication, or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for configuring and signaling apparatuses in a network to manage communication resources. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient signaling mechanisms to convey configuration information between network nodes and user devices, ensuring optimal resource allocation and reduced signaling overhead. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to send a configuration indication to a user device, where the indication specifies how the device should operate in the network. The configuration indication can be transmitted in different ways to adapt to varying network conditions and requirements. Specifically, the indication may be sent as a downlink control information (DCI) message on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), which is suitable for fast and dynamic adjustments. Alternatively, it may be transmitted as a media access control control element (MAC CE) for more detailed or semi-static configurations. For slower but more reliable configurations, the indication can be sent via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The apparatus also includes a receiver to obtain feedback or status updates from the user device, ensuring proper configuration and operation. This multi-mode signaling approach allows the network to balance between speed, reliability, and overhead, improving overall communication efficiency.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. A demodulation reference signal transmission method, comprising: receiving, by user equipment UE, a configuration indication sent by a base station, wherein the configuration indication instructs the UE to send an independent demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and wherein the independent DMRS does not need to depend on uplink data, wherein the configuration indication further comprises sending location information of the independent DMRS and/or sending location information of the combination of the independent DMRS and uplink data and wherein the sending location information of the independent DMRS indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located before the timeslot of the PUSCH, or indicates that a time domain location of the independent DMRS is located after the timeslot of the PUSCH, or indicates that the time domain location of the at least one DMRS is located within the timeslot of the PUSCH; and sending, by the UE, the independent DMRS to the base station according to the configuration indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving demodulation reference signal (DMRS) transmission for uplink data. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of conventional DMRS methods, which are typically tied to uplink data transmission, leading to suboptimal performance in scenarios requiring independent DMRS transmission. The method involves a base station configuring user equipment (UE) to transmit an independent DMRS that does not rely on uplink data. The configuration includes instructions for the DMRS's time domain location relative to the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) timeslot. The DMRS can be positioned before, after, or within the PUSCH timeslot. The base station provides location information to the UE, specifying where the independent DMRS should be sent. The UE then transmits the DMRS according to the received configuration, ensuring proper demodulation without dependence on uplink data. This approach enhances flexibility and efficiency in wireless communication by allowing independent DMRS transmission, which can be crucial for certain use cases, such as initial access or beam tracking, where uplink data may not be present. The method optimizes resource allocation and improves signal demodulation accuracy.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the combination of the independent DMRS and the uplink data comprises at least one DMRS and at least one piece of uplink data, wherein the at least one piece of uplink data is located within a timeslot of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the transmission of uplink data in scenarios where demodulation reference signals (DMRS) are used. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of uplink data in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) while ensuring proper demodulation through DMRS. The method involves transmitting a combination of independent DMRS and uplink data, where the DMRS is not dependent on the uplink data for its generation or placement. This combination includes at least one DMRS and at least one piece of uplink data, with the uplink data being located within a timeslot of the PUSCH. The independent DMRS allows for flexible scheduling and improved channel estimation, enhancing the reliability of data transmission. The method ensures that the DMRS and uplink data are transmitted in a coordinated manner within the PUSCH timeslot, optimizing resource utilization and reducing interference. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where dynamic adjustments to DMRS placement are required to adapt to varying channel conditions or interference patterns. The invention improves the robustness and efficiency of uplink communications in wireless networks.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the configuration indication further comprises a mapping indication, and before the sending, by the UE, the combination of the independent DMRS and the uplink data to the base station according to the configuration indication, the method further comprises: replacing, by the UE according to the mapping indication, the at least one piece of uplink data with the at least one DMRS and mapping the at least one piece of uplink data to another frequency-time resource location.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for transmitting uplink data and demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is improving the efficiency and flexibility of uplink transmissions by dynamically configuring the mapping of data and DMRS to frequency-time resources. The method involves a UE receiving a configuration indication from a base station, which includes a mapping indication. Before transmitting a combination of independent DMRS and uplink data to the base station, the UE replaces at least one piece of uplink data with at least one DMRS based on the mapping indication. The UE then maps the remaining uplink data to a different frequency-time resource location. This allows for dynamic adjustment of resource allocation, improving transmission efficiency and reliability. The configuration indication specifies how the UE should handle the DMRS and data, including the replacement and remapping process. The mapping indication provides specific instructions on which data to replace and where to relocate the remaining data. This approach ensures that the DMRS and data are optimally placed in the frequency-time domain, enhancing signal quality and reducing interference. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where channel conditions vary or when specific resource allocation strategies are needed to optimize performance.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the configuration indication is a downlink control information (DCI) indication of a PDCCH, or a media access control control element (MAC CE) indication, or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for configuring and signaling transmission parameters in a network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible signaling of configuration parameters between a base station and a user device to optimize data transmission. The method involves transmitting a configuration indication from a base station to a user device, where the indication specifies one or more transmission parameters for uplink or downlink communication. The configuration indication can be sent using different signaling mechanisms: downlink control information (DCI) on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a media access control control element (MAC CE), or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Each mechanism has different characteristics in terms of latency, reliability, and flexibility. DCI provides fast but limited signaling, MAC CE offers moderate-speed signaling with more flexibility, and RRC signaling is slower but supports extensive configuration options. The method also includes receiving the configuration indication at the user device and applying the specified transmission parameters accordingly. The parameters may include modulation and coding schemes, resource allocation, or other transmission settings. The choice of signaling mechanism depends on the urgency and complexity of the configuration, allowing the system to balance efficiency and flexibility. This approach improves communication efficiency by dynamically adapting transmission settings based on real-time conditions.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. A demodulation reference signal transmission method performed by a base station, wherein the method comprises, before scheduling a user equipment (UE) to perform a transmission on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH): sending a configuration indication to the UE, wherein the configuration indication is used to instruct the UE to send an demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the independent DMRS does not depend on uplink data, wherein the configuration indication further comprises sending location information of the DMRS and wherein the sending location information of the DMRS indicates that a time domain location of the DMRS is located before the timeslot of a PUSCH, or indicates that a time domain location of the DMRS is located after the timeslot of the PUSCH; and receiving the DMRS in a time slot sent by the UE.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for transmitting demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in uplink communications. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible DMRS transmission to support accurate channel estimation and demodulation of uplink data on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) without relying on the uplink data itself. The method involves a base station configuring a user equipment (UE) to transmit an independent DMRS that does not depend on uplink data. The base station sends a configuration indication to the UE, specifying that the UE should transmit the DMRS. The configuration includes location information for the DMRS, which can be positioned either before or after the timeslot of the PUSCH. This allows the base station to receive the DMRS in a designated time slot, enabling better channel estimation and demodulation of subsequent uplink transmissions. The flexible placement of the DMRS improves system performance by adapting to different communication scenarios and reducing interference. The method ensures reliable uplink data transmission by decoupling the DMRS from the uplink data, enhancing channel tracking and synchronization.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

June 2, 2020

Inventors

Xiaodong YANG
Wei QUAN
Bingzhao LI
Zhenxing HU
Jian ZHANG
Jinhua MIAO
Chuanfeng HE

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “DEMODULATION REFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD” (10673670). https://patentable.app/patents/10673670

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/10673670. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.